Catheter Supplies

Written by Serena Berger

If you have recently had surgery and have been discharged from the hospital, you may need to keep an inventory of catheters at home while you recover. It may be difficult to find stores that carry all the catheter supplies that you will need. If you have scheduled for a nurse to assist you for a period of time after your surgery, he or she may be able to provide you with some catheter supplies. If not, you may need to find a medical supply store or pharmacy that carries catheters.

Different Catheter Supplies That You May Need to Purchase

There are different sizes of catheters available, so you may want to purchase catheters in a couple of different sizes just in case you experience difficulty with them. There are different catheter manufacturers that use slightly different styles. Some are stiffer than others and may have a curved tip, while others are made of a soft vinyl that is firm but sufficiently flexible. The brand that you use will be, to a large extent, a matter of personal preference.

You may also want to purchase lubricants to make it easier to insert the catheter. Be sure to use only products that are water soluble. The most convenient packages will be those that come in disposable containers that allow you to insert the catheter into the side of the packet or through a small hole in the lid.

For leak protection, you can purchase specially designed undergarments or use absorbent pads with your existing underwear. You may also want to purchase a mattress cover to prevent leaks from soaking into your mattress. Mattress covers can be easily wiped off or tossed in your laundry cleaning. In addition to absorbing any liquids, these covers also prevent mites from getting into your mattress.